A forward, Vin Coutie topped the VFL's goalkicking in 1904 with 39 goals and became the first Melbourne player to achieve this distinction. Coutie was also the leading goalkicker at Melbourne in 1903 and 1908. He twice kicked eight goals in a game in his career, firstly in 1904 against Geelong and again in 1908 against St Kilda.

Coutie was a Victorian interstate representative in 1903 and 1904. He captained Melbourne in 1907 before being given the job again for the 1910 and 1911 seasons.